We boarded an early morning flight to a place unexplored, the intersection of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. After what seemed like hours tucked into a metal tube, we disembark into the hot afternoon sun, welcomed by a small outdoor terminal frequently found in warmer climates where the windows and doors are more decorative than anything else. It’s a moment of excitement and remarkable change, having escaped the rain of the Pacific Northwest and joined my daughter, having been invited to travel with her overseas. She’s been a partner-in-adventure for many years. I reflect back upon a time long past, […]
Change sucks
I’m back in Portland after being in Tacoma for a few days for my oldest daughter’s graduation, and this whole process has been such a painful and eye-opening endeavor, I felt like I needed to write about it, but I don’t even know where to begin. When I left Portland six weeks ago, I knew that it was the closing of a chapter that I’ve been living for 21 years, a chapter of love, parenthood, trying, and heartbreak, but I didn’t know that it would continue to sneak up on me in the various ways that it has. I was […]
Pedernal in the clouds
Ventured to Abiquiu Lake last night to see the sunset, and while it was cloudy, the sky was still wonderfully textured as the sun dipped down. Being back in the village of my youth has been interesting, with lots of old memories flooding through my brain as I adapt to a new life here for the next few months. Life in Abiquiu has its own rhythm and understanding, one profoundly different from the big city and, yet, something precious and unique.
Goodbye
It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since I first moved to Portland, Oregon. This city has been my home for over two decades, and it’s hard to imagine saying goodbye. Portland has changed so much in those 20 years, but it still feels like home. As I prepare to leave, I can’t help but reflect on all the experiences I’ve had here. One of the biggest changes I’ve seen in Portland is the food scene. When I first moved here, the city was known for its coffee shops and microbreweries. But over the years, Portland has become a […]
Journey Away
Day 1 – Portland to Boise We set out early in the morning, eager to hit the road and begin our journey. The drive from Portland to Boise was long but scenic, taking us through the Columbia River Gorge and over the Blue Mountains. We stopped for lunch in Pendleton, a historic town known for its woolen mills and cowboy culture. As we drove through Idaho, we were struck by the vastness of the landscape, with rolling hills and fields stretching as far as the eye could see. We arrived in Boise in the late afternoon, tired but excited for […]
Sunset with Samantha
Lo de Marcos is one of my favorite places in the world. There’s something about the tranquil coastal town that makes me feel instantly relaxed and at ease. And one of the best things about Lo de Marcos is the incredible sunsets. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing one of these sunsets with my furry companion by my side. My dog is always up for an adventure, and I knew that watching the sunset with him would be a special moment that we would both cherish. We made our way down to the beach, and the warm sand felt […]
Sayulita Bound
As a seasoned traveler in my 50s, I’ve had the privilege of exploring many destinations around the world, including several in Mexico. But Sayulita, a small town on the Pacific coast, stands out as a unique and vibrant destination. In this travel blog post, I’ll share my experiences and insights on Sayulita, compare it to other destinations in Mexico, and provide tips for those planning a trip. Sayulita, located about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, has a laid-back, bohemian vibe that is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The town center is […]
He Surrendered to Win
I’ve spent nearly half my life in Alcoholics Anonymous. I got sober at 23, and now I’m 51 and just celebrated my 28th sobriety anniversary. It’s been the journey of my adult life – one of learning to surrender over and over. I’ve surrendered to get sober and I’ve surrendered to keep the gift of sobriety. Before I got sober, alcohol – and alcoholism – were always a part of my life. I don’t remember much, but the memories I have where alcohol was present are not positive. The disease must have spread through my home even before I was […]
Chama, New Mexico: An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise
Nestled in the mountains of northern New Mexico, Chama is a small town with big opportunities for outdoor adventure. From fishing on the Chama River to riding the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, there’s something for every nature lover to enjoy in this picturesque town. One of the top attractions in Chama is the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, which takes passengers on a journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. The historic steam train passes through narrow mountain passes and over towering trestles, offering stunning views of the rugged landscape. Visitors can choose from […]
Mehayo – 12 years later
It’s incredible to think that 12 years have already passed since my visit to the Mehayo Center in Morogoro, Tanzania. At the time, I had embarked on a project for CreativeCares to share the stories of disabled children in Africa, but from a unique perspective. I had grown tired of seeing media coverage that only showed the suffering and despair of these young people. Instead, I wanted to highlight their successes, despite the challenges they faced. My goal was to offer a lens of hope, rather than one of despair, in the hopes that people would be inspired to donate. […]